Love Can Be Found in the Darkest of Times

Chapter 22

Louis turns around and nudges me, "Are you gonna go in?"

I keep my gaze out of the window. "Yes," I answer with no emotion in my voice.

I can feel his eyes on me the entire way up to Dani's house. Before I have a chance to knock on the wooden door, Louis rolls the window down.

"Are you ok Grace, I can go with you?" He asks with concern.

I hesitantly glance towards Louis and motions him to join me. He smiles a little and trots up the pavement.

I hold my hands in front of me, "Wait, I don't actually want you to come in with me." His eyebrow lifts and he looks puzzled.

"Can you just make sure Harry doesn't come in while I talk to Liam?"

He stands there for a moment with a strange look on his face, like he's concentrating on something. Unsure of what to do, I turn on my heels and make my way to the wooden door. Louis grabs my arm before I get to far and turns me to face him.

"Liam?" The colour drains from my face, I don't want him to know about my short relationship with Liam, but he'll find out sooner or later. I only dated him to fill the void that Harry left me with. That sounds really wrong, Liam is so sweet.

"Someone who is sweet doesn't kiss your best friend behind your back." My sub conscience adds.

"It's a long story..."

He steps closer, "Then give me the short story."

He's not going to give in, I'm just going to admit it.

"We dated after Harry and I parted ways."

He doesn't scream or retaliate like I thought he would, he looks calm, but worried.

I feel his arms wrap around me and I do the same. I squeeze his waist tightly while he rubs my back.

"I don't think you know how much Harry loves you," he whispers into my hair.

My grip loosens as I remember what he said to me in the barn. My eyes shut and I scrunch my nose in attempt to keep my tears back.

"He doesn't love me, he loves Natalie."

"No, he loved Natalie. He loves you now and we have been searching for you since the day you left. It's not time to give up, relationships aren't easy. If you love that person enough, you will find a way back to them. You and Harry have found each other physically, but not mentally."

I pull away from the warm hug and wipe my finger under my eyelids, capturing the lingering tears.

"Thank you." Is all I manage to say.

Louis pats my back and I make my way towards the house again. The door swings open after the first knock and it's Dani's mom.

Claire's face lights up and she cups her hands around her mouth and shouts, "She's here! I found Grace!"

Claire brings me into the house and pours me a cup of coffee. I casually sit on the couch, acting like Liam and Dani aren't even here, but I hear loud footsteps coming from the hallway. As soon as Liam walks into the room, I stare into my mug.

"Um, Grace?"

"Ya?" I blatantly respond.

"Can we talk, please?"

I nod once and follow him into Danielle's room. I sit back down on her bed and resume staring at my dark coffee.

"Listen, I'm so sorry about what happened last night. It wasn't real! I promise."

I shake my head and finally look up at him, "Don't lie to me. I know that you love her instead of me and it was real. You've never kissed me like that before."

He steps closer to the edge of the bed and tucks a loose strand of my hair behind my ear.

"I can prove it to you," He desperately please.

A tear escapes my eyes and he traps it with his delicate finger.

"Liam, I don't thi-" his lips press into mine and me messages the back of my neck with his free hand. My palms meet his chest and I slowly push him away.

"Grace, please!"

He leans in again and this time the kiss has more force. He pulls away and grabs both sides of my face. My eyes are dripping with tears, but I stand completely still, keeping my eyes on his. He tries one more time and his lips barely brush mine before his body is yanked backwards by an unknown force. I gasp for air as Harry comes into view. Harry pulls Liam by his shirt and throws him on the couch. I whip my head around to find Louis, by the door, on all fours with his head dipped down. I take a step towards him and his head slowly lifts up. One eye is purple and swelled up. Oh no. I begin to move my feet, but a large hand grasps onto my arm. I turn to face Harry and his eyes are a different shade of green. I deeply stare into the unfamiliar colour until Liam shoves him out of view.

"What the heck is going on Grace?"

My lips part like I'm about to say something, but Harry interrupts "That's non of your business," he spits.

"Oh yes it is, I'm her freaking boyfriend!"

I've never seen Liam loose control like this. Harry shoots me a panicked look and mouths "Is this true?"

My eyes widen and I look from Harry to Liam. If I tell Harry that I'm dating...dated Liam, he will walk out on me. If I lie, Liam will hate me forever and I'll have to tell Harry sooner or later. Instead, I cover my face with my hands and sink to the floor. I just want them to be happy and I don't think I can provide that. I have have caused him more pain than he should have to endure. Liam walks over first and gently pulls my hands away from my tear-stained face. He doesn't make eye contact when helping me up and I'm glad. I look behind Liam and Harry isn't there, neither is Louis.

"I'm guessing you don't want to, go out with me anymore."

His eyes dart to different corners of the room, probably something he does when he's nervous.

"You kissed Dani..."

"She kissed me!"

I wave my hand, "Stop! I don't want to get into this right now. Can I just have some alone time please?"

He nods and exits the living room. My life's a mess and I know what will help clean it up.